Manufacturing process refers to producing physical and tangible components that can be used in different fields as a part or whole. This is one of the most cumbersome phases of the process. However, as a manufacturer or a manufacturing company, it is very important to work towards cost optimization and ROI available existing operations.  With newer software, workflow methodologies and technologies coming to play, even the manufacturing industry can reap benefits through an efficient and effective way of production. Today we will talk about the manufacturing process in the construction industry. There is the immense scope of using BIM in manufacturing industries and several manufacturers are making a shift towards BIM using Revit content creation process.

BIM or Virtual Construction Modeling is a wholesome process that was developed with a motto of improving overall building construction lifecycle. The goal is to ensure the development of a wholesome process that helps in collaborating building data or information with 3d visual geometry of a building structure. Such a process restructures the overall flow of information across all junctures of construction. Manufacturing is also indirectly a construction stage as the components that need to be installed are manufactured independently and is not interwoven within any construction phase. Hence it becomes very important to ensure how the manufacturers can utilize Building Information Modeling in their processes. Construction Companies use BIM Services in conceptual designing, analysis, costing, as built as well as facility management. How Manufacturers use virtual construction modeling is here to see.

When we work on Revit family creation or BIM content, these content are mostly of the pipes, ducts, electrical fixtures etc. that has to be fabricated or manufactured. With the help of the BIM content, components can be manufactured based on the specifications. Adding parametric information that can be changed across based on the modeling environment is what makes it a must use for the manufacturers. Information is one of the Key elements of “Building Information Modeling” and the utilization and the design value of the building should be complementing each other. None of the factors should overpower each other.

For Manufacturers to use BIM it is very important for the data or the components to be structured with all information necessary to produce them. The data has to be loaded with certain parameters like material type, color, properties, dimensioning etc. and be converted into the format so that it can be easily manufactured.  Companies can also utilize BIM Modelling or BIM content creation to boost their product or component sales. Virtual Construction Modelling allows product designers or manufacturers to create standalone components or products which can be marketed and sold online as well.

Clients or end users who actually are looking for products can review them, get an idea of the exact specifications and order the product or component online. Construction companies can fairly order materials in high volume based on the specification online and save cost. With the help of BIM content creation, COBIE etc. construction companies can match the products online and choose the products.

Building Information Modeling is absolutely a data governed process through 3D design presentation is also an important aspect of the project. Revit family creation is one of the services that is actually useful for the manufacturing industry. The BIM Model and data actually are a conglomerate of multiple components and data within these components. The model in totality comprises of these components with specifications and the building is constructed by installing the prefabricated components. These components can be manufactured based on the BIM families created for the model. Each component is assigned a code and manufacturer spec which makes it easy to manufacture and supply both.

This process itself shows how BIM Modelling is influencing the manufacturing industry. With latest manufacturing techniques coming up lately, the.RFA format can be actually fed in the CNC machines and a product or component can be manufactured exactly the way it is modeled. Manufacturers can avail the benefits of BIM Services by getting the following

• Bill of materials
• Prefabricated components
• Part and assembly lists
• Takeoffs, estimations etc.

Manufacturers play a very important role in the BIM-centric construction process. BIM Content supplied to the manufacturers should be of high quality, accurate and detailed with all relevant parameters and information. MEP components such as Ducts, pipe, wires, plumbing and HVAC equipment’s etc. are the ones which are manufactured prior to installation.

Using BIM content creation for their manufacturing requirements actually makes a manufacturer different from the rest today. In years to come, there may be a possibility of 80% of the companies using BIM.  Currently, the one using BIM is extremely ahead of his detractors. Not every country or continent promotes BIM technology hence the utilization quotient is less. However, countries like UK and Ireland which has mandatory BIM requirements for all the Government projects are definitely moving in a positive direction.

The best part of using BIM content is that the manufacturer’s requirement of the specifications can be inculcated in the design intent and issue for construction model prior to the finalization of the design. This makes the overall analysis process extremely productive and accurate for the product designer and the manufacturer. Before manufacturing the product all the specifications will be “approved” by the final authority. Any issues in the sizes, shapes or other specifications will be discussed and resolved before the components are ordered. This eliminates chances of material wastage which helps in cost control and budgeting.

Integration of the manufacturer and product data within the BIM Modelling or overall BIM construction process helps in achieving excellent ROI and achieving quick turnaround time.  The data that is derived can be used right from the conceptual design model through facility management. The same data can be later used for maintenance of the building. Re-ordering, servicing of the equipment can all be managed in a structured way if the manufacturer is a BIM user.

The advantage of using BIM are many and the manufacturing industry can benefit tremendously thus increasing the overall productivity, minimizing the cost and reduced timelines.